Follicular cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or in the ovaries. The pronunciation of this condition is /fəˈlɪkjʊlər sɪsts/. It is spelled with two Ls in "follicular" because the word comes from the Latin word folliculus, which means "small bag" or "sac." The second L is retained in English to preserve the word's etymology. The word "cysts" is spelled with a Y because it represents the Greek letter upsilon, which makes the "s" sound when pronounced.
Follicular cysts, also known as ovarian cysts or follicular fluid-filled cysts, refer to fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries during the menstrual cycle. These cysts are a common occurrence and are typically benign.
During each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg, a process known as ovulation. However, in some cases, the egg may not be released, or the sac that holds the egg may not dissolve as it should after ovulation. When this happens, a follicular cyst can develop.
Follicular cysts are called so because they form from the fluid-filled sacs called follicles that hold the eggs in the ovary. These cysts usually do not cause any symptoms and often resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles. However, in certain cases, the cysts may grow larger or become persistent, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort during intercourse.
In most instances, follicular cysts are harmless and require no intervention. However, if the cysts grow larger, become painful, or result in complications such as ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), they may need to be surgically removed.
It is important to note that follicular cysts should not be confused with other types of ovarian cysts, such as corpus luteum cysts or dermoid cysts, which have different causes and characteristics.
Overall, follicular cysts are common fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless. However, medical attention should be sought if there is persistent pain or other concerning symptoms.
The term "follicular cysts" can be broken down into two parts: "follicular" and "cysts".
The word "follicular" is derived from the Latin word "folliculus", which means a small sac or bag. In anatomy, the term originally referred to small cavities or sacs, such as the hair follicles.
The word "cysts" has its roots in the Greek word "kystis", which means a bladder or pouch. In medical terminology, a cyst refers to a closed sac-like structure containing fluid, semi-solid material, or gas.
Therefore, "follicular cysts" refers to cysts that develop within or on a follicle. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in gynecology, where it describes cysts that form on or within the ovaries.